With the freedom you get by hiring one of our rentals to explore Syros, it only takes a moment to realize this is an island of grand contrasts. The grandeur of the neoclassical capital Hermoupolis as opposed to the humble Cycladic beauty of the medieval settlement of Ano Syros. The charming villages with 19th-century imposing mansions as compared with the low-key picturesque settlements. The glamorous beaches in contrast with the laid-back ones. The seaside resorts in the South contrary to the uncrowded coves in the North. All in the rocky landscape of the Cyclades complex of islands, against the backdrop of the endless deep blue of the Aegean.
Widen the scope of the places you wish to see, visit all the top attractions and discover an island unlike any other in the Cyclades at a pace that suits you.Start with the crown jewel of Syros; Its capital Hermoupolis is a town that celebrates its glorious past with grandiose mansions, marble piazzas with palm trees, impressive public buildings and exquisite town planning. Fittingly named after the Greek ancient god Hermes, the capital of Syros reflects the wealth, the courtesy of origin and the influences of both Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Stroll around this open museum of architecture with the largest concentration of neoclassicals in Greece. Or enjoy your swim at the popular urban beach Asteria against the backdrop of mansions dangling above the sea.
Drive up the neighboring hill of Ano Syros, where the Cycladic citadel of the later Byzantine era is located. Climb up the mesh of narrow cobbled streets and covered passageways flanked by picturesque small houses built close together all the way to the top where the Church of Saint George is located and the panoramic seaview is amazing.
Drive along the coastline of the southern part of the island with seaside resorts. Cosmopolitan beaches like Agathopes and Galissas are ideal for mingling with trendy crowds. Megas Gialos, Vari, Azolimnos or Kini are easily accessible beaches dotted with cafés, restaurants and tavernas. If you are looking for a laid-back day with a side order of watersports, drive to the long beach of Finikas where you can swim and have a variety of cafés and tavernas to choose from. The marina for boats and small yachts is also a plus.If low-profile, yet popular, beaches are your thing, Komito, Ambela, Achladi, Delfini, Lotos, Kokkina and Kini are all good choices.
Time for a change of scenery? Take a detour to scenic villages, like Episkopio and Chroussa where the wealthy elite of 19th-century Hermoupolis built grand manors with towers, pavilions, dovecotes and gardens with pine and palm trees as their summer retreat estates. Or, drive through winding roads up to the North where the rugged landscape is adorned with secluded small beaches that are only accessible on foot or by boat. Reach the northern tip of Syros, to visit the prehistoric sites of Chalandriani and Kastri, both considered as the most important fortifying constructions of the 3rd millennium BC in the Aegean. Both sites are of major value to archaeologists as the excavations brought to light important findings of the Early Cycladic culture and art, indicating a flourishing society dating back to the late Neolithic era, between 4000 and 3000 BC.
